Fragile: Handle With Care

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Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.   – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. – Leo F. Buscaglia

Like a souffle that falls if the timing’s not right, or a butterfly whose wings are damaged by an unthinking touch, friendships and families are delicate, too. We can nurture them with something as simple as a smile.  But an errant word spoken in haste can unknowingly hurt someone dear.

Life is fragile, and short.

In the midst of frantic holiday hustle and bustle, stop. Look around at the ones you love and take stock of what they really need from you. I’m betting you can’t find it at the mall. Try to find a minute to share a little TLC this week with someone lonely, depressed, or in need.

And while you’re at it, save some for yourself.

Want of care does us more damage than want of knowledge – Benjamin Franklin

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This post was written in response to the WordPress Daily Post’s Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate.  To see other bloggers’ responses, click here.

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37 Responses to Fragile: Handle With Care

  1. eof737 says:

    Amen to that and my sentiments exactly… It can’t be bought in the mall. This holiday season we are keeping it real simple. Blessings to you. 🙂

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  2. adinparadise says:

    Such a beautiful post. I love that Franklin quote.

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  3. Jo Bryant says:

    A really gorgeous post – love the images but the quotes are marvelous

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  4. Ben was a very wise man. Be well, RS, and I hope you’re showered with much kindness this holiday season. Thanks for the reminder. You are so right!

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  5. You’re so right. Thank you for reminding in such a delicate way.

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  6. thirdeyemom says:

    So true. It has been a hard few days for us all. Thanks for reminding us to be thankful.

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  7. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate (Pétanque) « What's (in) the picture?

  8. Amy says:

    Thank you for sharing you kind, beautiful, and delicate thoughts.

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  9. SimplySage says:

    Very well said. I wrote a similar post on kind words awhile back. I’ll share for your enjoyment.

    Fragile—Handle With Care

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  10. fgassette says:

    Thank you for your kind delicate words of wisdom.

    BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!

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  11. Short and sweet… It takes great talent to say so much with so few words…
    And such an important message in a world that sometimes (I want to say “often,” but I am being generous for the holidays! 🙂 ) loses sight of what it important. Well done!

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  12. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate | Alastair's Blog

  13. Nice photo, beautiful memories

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  14. milaiski says:

    Very well said. Chrished relationships are indeed so delicate. One mistake could ruin lifeitme. 😦

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    • Nobody gets it right all the time, but when things are hectic, it’s easy to say things in haste, or just neglect some relationships. It’s so good to sit down at meals or other times and just enjoy a few moments with those we love each day.

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  15. In so few words, you wrote such a touching post — very nice ~ Kat

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  16. jmlight says:

    We live in a largely unconscious world. You are so right – attention, appreciation, affection, acceptance – these are all things we can give away and all it costs us is the generosity of heart.

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    • It seems at this time of year we all feel so busy – we just forget to take that moment for ouselves or those around us – which is, after all, what the season is all about – gratitude and celebration of the gifts we have received, and caring for those around us..

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  17. Pat says:

    Nice one! Well said and very timely. Thanks

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